Cited by 20Qualitative Research Methods and EthicsQualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsPosthumanist Ethics and Activism

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The Importance of Positionality for Qualitative Researchers

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Gurr, Hannah, Oliver, Louise, Harvey, Orlanda, Subedi, Madhusudan, Van Teijlingen, Edwin·2024·Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology

Abstract

Qualitative researchers are required to be critically reflective and explain to readers their positionality on their work. This account can be relatively straightforward, but there are occasions when this process of reflection and outlining one’s positionality is much more complicated. This method-paper explains this process. It outlines, using examples of different occasions and situations, where and why such complications may arise, for example, around values and personal experiences. It concludes with further practical advice on writing the section on positionality for novice social scientists.

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References 29 · Cited by 20

Research works printed but not linked: 26

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Metadata

Authors
Gurr, H., Oliver, L., Harvey, O., Subedi, M., & Van Teijlingen, E.
Affiliations
  • Bournemouth University (GB)
  • Patan Academy of Health Sciences (NP)
Venue
Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology
Published
2024-06-30
Pages
48-54
ISSN
  • 1994-2664 (ISSN-L)
  • 1994-2672
OpenAlex
W4400211688
Cited by
20
References
29
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 5
FWCI
14.41
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • Bournemouth University Research Online (Bournemouth University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Cultural Studies › Posthumanist Ethics and Activism
Keywords
researcher positionality, reflexivity, critical reflection, researcher values, personal experience, qualitative research ethics

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